Left to Stray

Residents in a College Point neighborhood were concerned about a stray dog roaming free for the past couple of days while their young children played outside.

Denice Mosely says when they called Animal Control they were told the animal posed no threat and they couldn't pick it up.

"It's very frustrating because as a mom you want to protect your children and we own this property. We own a home here and you want your children to be safe in your neighborhood."

Sonya Schans agrees saying she doesn't want to learn a lesson after the fact.

"I just can't take that chance. Where do you draw the line? They say, ‘well, it doesn't pose a threat.’ Who's to say a child won't draw it off sides?"

But there is just no room for these animals anywhere in the county.

Mary Kirlin says while a new shelter is being built, Animal Control is doing all they can to appease everyone and maintain public safety.

"At this point we're limited, very limited, and we have to house the bite cases, law enforcement, and then of course, the truly aggravating animals that are a threat to the public."

Animal Control did pick up the dog in the College Point area early Thursday morning. They say residents should be cautious when dealing with strays, but it can be ok to approach an animal and try to find the owner yourself.

"There are signs you can look for: hackles raised, the fur raised on the back, growling, snarling, even scuffing of the front feet in a charge approach."

While there continues to be no vacancy at a shelter, the strays will remain astray for a couple more months.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.